Mini World War in Aleppo Region of Syria, Race for Raqqa

Next Cold War Roundup 2-15-16

The Munich Security Conference, which turned into a summit for negotiations and discussions on the broadening and escalating Syrian war, concluded with an agreement to work on cessation of hostilities and humanitarian aid for beseiged areas — an agreement that few have confidence will change the situation. If anything, a large further escalation is anticipated, and has been promised by Turkey. Turkish forces are shelling both Kurdish and Syrian forces across the border into Syria in the northern Aleppo area and threatening to invade. Saudis and allies are also threatening to invade with the intention of taking Raqqa, splitting Syria in half, and removing Assad. Both sides now race toward Raqqa. Washington Post journalists accurately call it a “mini world war” in the Aleppo region. There is widespread alarm that it could turn into a full scale world war.

_ VP Biden told YPG Kurds to stop advancing in northwest Syria and taking territory near the Turkish border and told Turkey to stop shelling the YPG. In a phone call, Biden assured Turkey’s prime minister that the US would work with Turkey to keep routes to Aleppo open for “humanitarian aid.” These routes are also supply routes for ISIS, al Qaeda and “rebels” backed by Turkey, the CIA, Saudis, etc.